Pinot Noir has been called an enigma, a chameleon, a seducer, a puzzle. The Burgundian varietal doesn’t yield big, bruising wines, but rather is all about elegance and complexity. Like the little girl with the little curl, when it’s good, it’s very, very good. With this in mind, we asked the Cheers National Wine Panel (cited at the end of this article) to suggest some top quality/value. As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine’s suggested retail price (which varies from market to market).

RATING SYSTEM

**** Five Stars (92-100)

A top-flight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price/value relationship.

**** Four Stars (86-91)

A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back.

***** 97 Gryphon Anderson Valley 2000 Reserve Pinot Noir (California). Extraordinary effort, medium crimson color; saturated aromas of wild strawberries and sweet smoke, outstanding concentration, fine style; medium bodied, lively acidity, excellent structure; bright red fruit flavors, long, lingering finish. $55

***** 95 Domaine G. Roumier Bonnes-Marre 1998 (France). Medium russet red color; outstanding aromas of minerals and wild strawberries, enticing sweet earth in the background; medium bodied, seductive palate, silky and long; incredibly persistent and pure ripe strawberry flavors, great depth; long, smooth, youthful finish. $150

***** 94 Domaine Serene Willamette Valley Grace Vineyard 2000 Pinot Noir (Oregon). Heady and deep, incredibility intense all the way around; fine ripe strawberry aromas, lasting and alluring; medium to full bodied, excellent textures; fine, intense ripe black fruit flavors; lingering finish. $75

***** 94 Archery Summit Renegade Ridge 2001 Pinot Noir (Oregon). Laser beam acidity, driven by ruby red cherries; long, complex finish; further proof that 2001 is Oregon’s finest pinot noir vintage ever. $65

***** 94 Armida Pinot Noir ‘Baciagalupi Vineyard’ Russian River 2001 (California). Exotic aromas and flavors of Asian spice, tea, wildflowers and a hint of forest come in waves from the initial sip through the long finish; the medium body and soft tannins do not get in the way of this beauty; perfect for grilled seafood like salmon fillets. ($35)

***** 92 Rodney Strong Russian River Valley 2001 Pinot Noir (California). A wine of this breed for under $20 is a real deal; fairly intense nose is the prelude to bursting black cherries and spice; coats the walls of the mouth with a wonderful lushness and ends in a finish that is truly refined and elegant. ($16)

***** 94 Sanford Santa Barbara County 2001 Pinot Noir (California). Deep garnet in color with aromas of bright cherry, boysenberry, plum and spice; on the palate are underlying flavors of dark cocoa, Asian spices and smoky barrel; pairs well with salmon, quail and duck but also big enough for steaks and roasted beef. $20

***** 94 Au Bon Climat 2001 Santa Maria Valley, Estate Bottled Pinot Noir (California). Bright ruby/purple in color, with good clarity; bright fruit aromas of red cherries, cranberry and strawberry in a sweet, almost jammy composition; medium bodied and silky with light tannin; the complex palate reveals wild black cherry, blackberry, spice, tar and earth; good structure and precise acidity lead to a finish of dark cherry and cedar; a very versatile food wine. $20

***** 94 Babcock 2001 Pinot Noir (California). Typical of the variety, it’s jammy, with sensations of ripe, baked fruits, while also featuring a seductive smoky effect, with a touch of violets; on the palate, the wine is very rich; pinot at its best in this price range. $25

***** 93 Pisoni Estate 2001 Pinot Noir (California). A big, highly extracted pinot that attracts consumers; deep, inky color that imitates syrah; deep black fruit tones that pair well with game or grilled foods. $60

***** 93 WillaKenzie Estate 2000 Willamette Valley, “Pierre Leon” Pinot Noir (Oregon). Dark reddish purple, with brilliant clarity; a bouquet dominated by raspberry, cranberry, red plum and a little rose petal; light body and lively acidity let the bright fruit flavors dominate the palate, with strawberry and cranberry; firm tannin kicks in on the finish, where ripe a blackberry aftertaste lingers; great with lamb or lighter red meats. $27

***** 92 BV Carneros 2000 Pinot Noir (California). Fine crimson-ruby color; ripe black cherry, plum and raspberry aromas combined with hints of toasty new oak; ripe, medium-bodied flavors and fine tannins give the wine definition and grace; a velvety texture and long finish; delightful with grilled salmon, risotto with wild mushrooms or a rich meat dish like Osso Buco. $18 Diageo Chateau & Estates 

***** 93 Dumol 2001 Russian River Pinot Noir (California). From Hanna and Dutton vineyard fruit, this shows an effusive black cherry and cola nose, rich, spicy berry fruit and a soft yet firmly structured finish. $60

***** 93 Bethel Heights Vineyard Southeast Block Reserve Willamette Valley Estate Grown 2000 Pinot Noir (Oregon). Pure elegance, attractive fragrant aromas, fine with excellent depth; medium bodied, pleasing, silky plate, layered, fine structure; excellent depth, great example of a seamless, well put together effort; long finish. $35

***** 93 Calera Mount Harlan Jensen Vineyard 1999 Pinot Noir (California). Fascinating in every way, with complex aromas of rose petals and ripe strawberries; medium bodied, smooth and lacy on the palate with excellent structure; long smooth flavors, seductive smokiness; long finish, youthful tannins. $50

***** 93 Carpe Diem Firebrick Vineyard 2000 Pinot Noir (California). Incredibly well balanced and delicate pinot noir; rich and smooth, with a hint of zest on the mid-palate; bing cherry and ripe plum flavors; a winner. $30

***** 93 Mueller Emily’s Cuvee Russian River Valley 2001 Pinot Noir (California). Incredibly well balanced and stylish; exhibits fine strawberry aromas; pristine palate; lively flavors; great finish; a perfect wine with coq au vin. $37

***** 93 Belle Glos Santa Maria Valley 2001 Pinot Noir (California). Bright, rich berry, strawberry fruit with a touch of spice; moderate tannins and a fine finish. $38

***** 93 Domaine Chandon 2000 Carneros Pinot Noir (California). Rich, elegant and complex; a fabulous wine. $30

***** 93 Alderbrook Russian River Valley 2001 Pinot Noir (California). Bright cherry aromas dominate with hints of earth and clove; flavors of black cherry, tea and cinnamon complemented by a subtle, toasty oak finish that is long and velvety with an elegant dry character. $20

***** 93 Ken Wright Canary Hill 2001 Pinot Noir (Oregon). As close to Burgundy as you can get outside of France; subtle fruit and barnyard notes; nicely crafted. $40

***** 92 Siduri Santa Lucia Highlands 2002 Pinot Noir (California). Very deep in color; youthful and concentrated aromas of deep strawberries, tremendously silky on the palate; lush textures; superbly built flavors; long lusty finish invites grilled lamb chops. $45

***** 92 Hartford Court Seven Benches Vineyard 2000 Pinot Noir (California). Lush blackberry nose with hint of ripe plum and some vanilla; deep palate with a big tannic structure, though well integrated; long, pleasant finish. $50

***** 92 Acacia 2000 Carneros Pinot Noir (California). Ripe, rich full-bodied wine; complex spicy cherry, blackberry and plum flavors. $26

***** 92 Belle Pente 2001 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (Oregon). Plush and ripe with bright, pure fruit; some spice; a pinot to cellar. $22

***** 92 Michaud Vineyard 2001 Pinot Noir (California). Powerful and formidable; rich and complex aromas of black fruits and cinnamon, excellent depth; medium to full bodied, packed on the palate with good grip; rich, black fruit flavors, long finish. $45
 

**** 91 Dahlia 2001 Monterey County Pinot Noir. (California). Enticing aromas of tart plums and strawberry, excellent depth; medium bodied, silky palate, nicely balanced and finely built; excellent balance; persistent flavors of ripe strawberries with a suggestions of smoke; pleasingly soft finish. $20

**** 91 Flowers 2001 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (California). Pretty aromas of ripe strawberries, minerals, and sandalwood, excellent depth; medium bodied, firm with fine elegance on the palate; smooth palate with nice grip; tasty ripe fruit flavors, lingering finish. $40

**** 91 Talley Vineyards 2001 Pinot Noir (California). Young, vibrant and fresh, pretty aromas of tart plums and strawberries; medium bodied, nice and lacy on the palate; attractive, young strawberry flavors, pleasing; a nice choice with lamb medallions. $30

**** 90 Kenwood 2001 Pinot Noir (California). Russian River juice with flavors of plum; medium on the palate with a lasting finish. $20  

**** 91 Coastal Peak Winery Central Coast 2002 Pinot Noir (California). Intense fruit presented in an elegant frame; heady aromas of crushed berry are matched by cola nut and spices that last all the way through the velvety finish. $15

**** 91 W.H. Smith Hellenthal Vineyard 2000 Sonoma Pinot Noir (California). Ripe fruit in the California tradition, but with the earthy mushroom tones so often missing; beautiful cherry and mixed berries. $45

**** 91 Hamacher 2000 Pinot Noir (Oregon). Offers a lush, brash pinot with a noticeable use of oak; rich and well balanced. $42

**** 91 Domaine Arlaud Roncevie Bourgogne 2001 (France). Exceptional balance and finesse; bright red cherry, lavender and Asian spice; great viscosity and finish and bright acidity. $16

**** 91 Sterling Winery Lake 2001 Pinot Noir (California). Intense purple-ruby color; red candy-apple, dark cherry aromas show hints of cinnamon and baked ham; luscious and more opulent than the 2000 vintage, this wine is jammy with a soft mouth-feel and a dark cherry finish. $24

**** 91 Sebastiani 2000 Russian River Pinot Noir (California). An earthy mixture of plum, cherry and raspberry gives this wine a chewy feel; an intense pinot. $24

**** 91 Graham Beck Pinno 2002 Pinotage (South Africa). This South African version of pinot noir is dark ruby red, with a mild, soft bouquet of black fruits and an appealing earthy aspect; medium bodied and ripe, it has firm acidity that initially restrains the palate a bit, but mild flavors of cherry, raspberry and anise soon emerge; good balance and a long finish; and what a value! $11

**** 90 David Bruce Sonoma 2001 Pinot Noir (California). Red and black cherries permeate with lingering notes of cola, nutmeg and cinnamon; it finishes with subtle hints of vanilla. $29

**** 90 Duck Pond Cellars 2002 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (Oregon). The wine spends time in American and French oak; intense berry flavors; medium bodied with lively cherry flavors; a wonderful value. $13

**** 90 Ramspeck Napa & Mendocino 2002 Pinot Noir (California). Cherry and berry notes with warm vanilla, cedar and a touch of oak; pairs well with turkey or pork. $21

**** 90 O’Reilly’s 2002 Pinot Noir (Oregon). Low yields gives great concentration to this wine; elegant; ripe, plumy fruit; a long, silky finish. $18

**** 90 MacMurray Ranch Sonoma Coast 2001 Pinot Noir (California). Now under the Gallo family of wines, MacMurray Ranch is producing classic pinot with bright berry/cherry flavors that exude superb depth and length and a finish that lingers on long after you have swallowed. $13

**** 90 Arcadian 2000 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir (California). Rich and luscious displaying bright cherry and raspberry flavors; hints of vanilla and spice in the lingering finish. ($20)

**** 90 Domaine Drouhin 2001 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (Oregon). An elegant pinot showing pretty cherry fruit with dusty spice notes; fine texture and a lengthy finish. $27

**** 90 WillaKenzie Estate 2001 Pinot Noir (Oregon). Fresh, zingy fruit on both nose and palate; really lively, with a clean finish; will drink well young, as tannins are minimal; superb food wine. $25

**** 90 Cameron Willamette Valley 2001 Pinot Noir (Oregon). Everything is bright in this wine; the nose and palate are redolent of smoky black cherries, and the acids on the back end indicate longevity ahead. $25

**** 90 Echelon 2002 Central Coast Pinot Noir (California). A good, versatile pinot noir that is a wonderful value. $12

**** 89 Nicolas Potel “Vieilles Vigne” Volnay 2000 (Burgundy, France). Flavors of cherry, and red currant with hints of mineral; long concentrated, balanced finish. $40

**** 89 Harpersfield Vineyard Clos Mes Amis Reserve Cuvee 2000 Pinot Noir (Ohio). Black cherries, freshly ground coffee, dark chocolate and toffee; great effort from Ohio superstar vintner; excellent balance. $25

**** 89 Archery Summit 2000 Premier Cuvee Pinot Noir (Oregon). Full flavors of cherry, blueberry, raspberry and strawberry with earthy and herbal tannins that linger in the palate. $45

**** 89 Patz & Hall 2001 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (California). Wonderful ripe flavors of cherry, raspberry and plum with a touch of mocha; silky texture and a rich finish showing light oak and fruit. $30

**** 89 Estancia Reserve 1999 Pinot Noir (California). A wonderful Southern California pinot noir; very polished and well-crafted; soft and supple with subtle black currant flavors. $27

**** 89 Vina Montes 2001 Casablanca Valley, Limited Release Pinot Noir (Chile). From 12-year old vines in the Casablanca Valley, this bright garnet-colored wine shows off a bouquet of light, bright red fruit aromas; light on the initial entry, it quickly firms up on the palate, with chewy red berry fruit and firm acidity. $14

**** 89 Joseph Drouhin Nuits-St.-George 1999 Pinot Noir (France). A solid pinot noir with both elegance and finesse; deep strawberry and cassis flavors with a velvety finish; rich and abundant; matches well with grilled meats. $35

**** 89 Indigo Hills 2001 North Coast Pinot Noir (California). Layers of elegant ripe berries with subtle notes of oak followed by a silky finish. $14

**** 89 R. Dubois Bourgogne Rouge 2000 (France). A well-structured wine that showcases indigenous wild strawberry, wet earth and deep, dark forest aromas and flavors. $15

**** 89 Etude 2001 Carneros Pinot Noir (California). Versatile style suitable for sipping or dining; black cherry, anise and light oak with a respectable length of finish; enjoyable now and will round out with several years of aging. $41

**** 88 Adelsheim Elizabeth’s Reserve 2000 Pinot Noir (Oregon). From five different sites, earthy style with cola, anise and leather notes enveloping incipient cherry fruit complexity; needs a little time. $36

**** 88 D. Bosler 2001 Pinot Noir (Chile). A big surprise; light, tasty with good blackberry fruit. $11

**** 88 Faiveley Bourgogne 2000 Pinot Noir (France). Lush in the mouth with an exquisite ruby red garnet color; soft and balanced with a touch of black cherry and allspice. $20

**** 88 Cristom 2001 Reserve Pinot Noir (Oregon). An elegant style with pretty aromas of dried strawberries and earth; medium bodied on the palate, stylish and well balanced; lively finish; nice with broiled salmon steaks. $38

**** 88 Argyle Winery 2001 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (Oregon). Black cherry in nose turning bright red on palate; excellent depth and lingering finish; bright acidity; complex floral notes. $19

**** 88 Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2001 Central Coast Pinot Noir (California). Abundant cherry, violets and spice complemented by nuances of oak along with silky tannins that add complexity and depth on the palate. $13

**** 88 Omaka Springs Marlborough 2000 Reserve Pinot Noir (New Zealand). Lots of cherry spice and strawberry notes layered harmoniously throughout your glass; long and satisfying finish makes it a delight with lamb, grilled tuna and veal dishes. $18

**** 88 Gallo of Sonoma 2001 Pinot Noir (California). The acidity and balanced fruit give this pinot noir a layer of complexity not often found at this price. $13

**** 88 Domaine Virginie Pinot Noir, Vin de Pays 2002 (France). Wonderful everyday pinot noir; soft, fragrant bouquet is a mix of floral and ripe berry aromas; flavors of raspberry and strawberry are fresh and up front, but not candied; medium bodied and well made. $10

**** 87 Argyle Willamette Valley 2000 Pinot Noir (Oregon). Mineral and tar nuances are married with bright red fruit and cherry-strawberry flavors; rather deep and concentrated in this vintage. $40

**** 87 Rex Goliath 2001 Pinot Noir (California). This is a lush and velvety pinot; immensely pleasurable for the price. $12